Precautions
Before taking acebutolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: very slow heartbeat (e.g., severe bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), a certain serious heart problem (cardiogenic shock), uncontrolled severe heart failure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), decreased blood flow to the heart or brain (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attacks), diabetes, heart problems (e.g., history of heart failure, recent heart attack, valve problems), kidney problems, liver problems, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly. This medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as hunger, dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. If you have chest pain (angina) or have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Newborns whose mothers have taken this drug near the date of delivery may have problems such as low blood pressure, low heart rate and low birth weight, and may require special medical monitoring. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.